The Colorado Marijuana Industry—Legal and Accounting Advice and Compliance

Twenty years ago, the idea of legalized marijuana was laughable. Today, there are 23 states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, and four states (Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Colorado) along with Washington, DC, that are experimenting with the legalization of recreational marijuana. The marijuana movement appears to be an unstoppable force.

We have witnessed a major shift in how the American public views marijuana. Practically all major national polls now show that a slim majority of respondents are in favor of legalizing marijuana, or share a favorable view of the drug. An even greater percentage of Americans want to see it approved for medical uses. States have also taken a markedly different approach. Once viewed with contempt, marijuana is now looked upon as a fresh tax revenue source. Revenue generated from taxing marijuana is being used to support jobs, maintain in-state infrastructure, and even support education.

The first state to officially begin selling recreation-legal marijuana was Colorado in the beginning of 2014. Colorado hit a marijuana milestone in August 2015. According to the Denver Post, August represented the first month in its short history of recreational marijuana sales that total monthly combined sales of recreational and medical marijuana topped the $100 million mark. In August, $59.2 million was sold in recreational marijuana, and another $41.3 million came from medical marijuana. In Colorado, the three taxes associated with marijuana have raised an impressive $86.7 million through just the first eight months of 2015. With $639.4 million in combined marijuana sales through August in Colorado, and Washington and Oregon both ramping up their sales, the legal marijuana business will likely total more than $1 billion in 2015 for the first time ever.

However, federal law still views marijuana as a Schedule 1 Drug. Therefore, according to federal law, it is still illegal.

This thriving industry, its tax consequences, and the resulting conflict of laws have presented our state with a unique set of challenges, which will be discussed by some of the most influential voices in the Colorado marijuana industry on November 5 at Colorado CLE’s seminar,“The Colorado Marijuana Industry – Legal and Accounting Advice and Compliance.” Barbara Brohl, the Executive Director of Colorado Department of Revenue, will give the regulatory perspective on these complex issues. Professor Sam Kamin, one of the nation’s leading experts on the regulation of marijuana, will analyze the lawsuits that have been brought against Colorado by surrounding states. Mark Mason and Deirdre O’Gorman will be at the seminar to give us the latest information about The Fourth Corner Credit Union, the only credit union constructed to serve the interests of the legalized cannabis and hemp industries and their supporters. John Walsh, the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, will give us the federal perspective on marijuana enforcement priorities and their interaction with state priorities.

Don’t miss the panel presentation about the challenges and opportunities of owning and operating a marijuana business. Christian Sederberg, a leading practitioner in the industry, has not only represented clients, but he and his firm have helped shape the marijuana and cannabis laws and regulations. Christian will give us an update on the law. Ron Seigneur, the Program Moderator, who has over 25 years of business valuation experience and is known nationally for his expertise, will talk about investing in a cannabis business and attendant ownership and valuation issues.

This CLE presentation will take place Thursday, November 5, 2015, in the CLE Large Classroom. Click here to register for the live program and click here to register for the webcast, or call (303) 860-0608.

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